Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

2020 Mille Lacs Lake Fishing Reports


Rick

Recommended Posts

Battled some crazy wind and waves yesterday.

We were on 3 mile reef and caught 4 keepers and 4 slot fish anywhere from 16 to 28 feet.

Got tired of the waves so we went in and fished by Hunters point. We picked up another 2 keepers and a few more slot fish. The best action there was around 13 to 15 FOW.

So not the greatest showing for 12 hours on the water but still we were pretty happy with the results.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Rigging leeches-

I just read a report from someone saying they were hitting hard on worms - we should have tried them but were encouraged with the leech bite. We went through a half pound of them - loosing them on rocks and fish that were smarter than us. Most of the bites were light with only a few obvious hard hitters. Oh well...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Going to get back up there towards the end of the week. Sounds like there is a good cork bite towards the evening 6:30 - 10:00 on the reefs

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was was up Last Thursday and just parked on Hawkbill in about 8 ft of water. My dad caught 2 14.5 inch keepers, didn't see to much action from other boats.

Friday We didn't get out until around 10:30 am and Picked up on 14.5 inch also in 8ft trolling with leaches. Then moved and corked it in 11 ft just off of a hump and caught a 15" keeper at about noon. Moved out to a break from 20 to 24 ft and trolled some leaches with a red hook at caught a 16 and a 17" at about 4pm. Then at night we tried Hawkbill one last time and got another 14" and a 18" smallmouth. At least everything we caught was keepable, but I would have like to tie in to some bigger fish.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fished the south and east side Sunday, ended up boating six eyes with a 26.5 being the biggest. Only one under the 18" mark, fished mostly gravel and rocks. Water temp was showing 53-54 all day. Made a run out to sloppies to see if anything was going, marked a few but no takers. All caught fish came from 15-18 fow. Rigged leeches all day and hook color didn't seem to matter. Lots of scattered fish being marked, Seemed that most spots that we hit held a few fish and mobility was the key for us. We would knab 2 fish right away and then nothing until we would move again. Great day to be on the water and the guy I brought up caught his first ever eye so that's always a plus. Although he's still a little irked that I didn't snap a photo for him. Sometimes they just need to be put back in the water, I did take a pic of his second one to satisfy that dilema though. Seen the first hatch of bugs floating, not really sure what they are but there were alot of them floating from the hatch. This was the second trip up and both times I've noticed alot less baitfish, haven't figured that one out yet as previous years I would be marking large pods all over and see fish hanging around them, this year though it seems as if the fish are just scattered about and the pods of baitfish seem to be nowhere around.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hit the Pond this am. launched at Agate around 7:45. Started in front of Fischer's, caught one 13 1/2 with in ten minutes.

Then there were about a dozen boats near Malmo public access. We fished there and drifted to Fischer's. Lost one right by the boat est around a 25 - 27", then a 16 1/2". Marked fish but with the wind it was tough. Missed three other ones as well. Dept. 20-22ft.

We left around 11:30. It's been awhile since I've been there when it's been that rough.

Hopefully next weekend will be better weather.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fished "the big pond" both Saturday and Sunday mornings before getting blown off by 25 to 35 mph NW on Saturday and 20 to 30 mph S-SE on Sunday. Boated several "keepers" 14 to 17 inches and a few 21 to 25 inchers. Fish are scattered all over the place. We charted fish on rock, gravel and soft bottom close by, in 13 to 27 feet of water. Best bite was on rock-soft bottom transitions in 20 to 25 feet of water, not too far off shore (shoreline connected reefs and points). Fish were a bit slow, but if you sat on them you could trigger them. Rigs with 7 to 8 foot leads with leeches worked the best. Hang in there--the jet stream is going to move north of us and stay there some day soon and we will be able to get some stable weather with winds less than 20 mph. Until then, fish slow, fish smart, and fish safe!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Where about on the lake I am going out of NE in a week where would you recomend trying?

thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Alot is going to depend on the wind. If temps keep on the warmer side, the "mud" may start to turn on soon. Keep on watching for reports here. I'm planning on going up there Sat. (weather/winds permitting). I'm going to start on the deeper water we fished Sat. Fischer's/malmo. If nothing, the it's off to the Mud.

The key here is to cover water until the "transation" period is over.

Maybe time to get out the spinners if temps warm up.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You could fish there also just off the reef in the deeper water. I launch at Agate. White 1895 YarCraft Storm with 135 Opti max tiller.

Leeches 7-8 ft snells plain red hook. Nothing on colored hooks and a single bead on Sat.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Is that what the winds were sat 25-35???

I knew it was more than the 18mph they were predicting.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Went out of Cove last friday fishing was spotty. Landed seven fish, 5 between 24"-25". One keeper and one 9". Best luck was 19 to 23 fow. Tried sloppies for a little while, really slow. Went back to the rocks and hit some more fish. Couple here, couple there. Had to keep moving. Hopefully this transition will be over soon.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I see the extended forecast has temps right around 70. I plan on going up Sat. Going to start infront of Malmo/Fischer's again unless I hear they have moved.

May give the mud a try also.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was there Saturday,funny thing was nobody was fishing any of the flats on the north side. The wind was blowing hard, but you just make out guys out a lot farther for the binos high up from shore. I find rather strange guys run out to fish in 3+ ft waves and not in the 1-2ft waves. I was up near Garrison, looked like a few ran out to curlys, and banana.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am thinking about going out this afternoon and trying the evening bite. Might try out in front of Barnacle's out on the bumps, or even out to East flat.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No problem. I'm just getting the itch to get out on the mud so bad that I hope it's not for nothing if I head out there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

jay83196,

Agate Reef near the NE corner has been producing fish. Work the transition from the rock to the softer bottom surrounding it with lindy rigs and leeches. Flamingo Reef has been a decent spot for catching fish on leeches under slip bobbers in the evening up until you have to leave the lake (remember the night ban is still on). Look for areas from eight to fifteen feet deep that are near points or inside turns in the reef and fish these rocky areas with a slip-bobber and leech combo. Good luck!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Troy,

Thanks a ton anywhere more north (around fishers) will be heading out of there in a week? Think flats will be on by then? Has there been any hatches?

Thanks a ton!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I fished saturday caught 3 smallies the biggest was over 19" the others were 15 & 14" long. Tried walleyes but nothing to the boat. Did find some perch, but not the jumbos. I was looking more for the smallies.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The North End sand is pretty much dead. (Carlsona, Barnacle Bills).

Hard to say where they will be in a week. They could be around Fischer's and Agate. First try 15-18 ft. If nothing, move deeper . If still nothing start moving to the Mud. With temps being in the low 70's they could still be in close. Another area to try is the deeper water in front of lakeside. grin

It would just be nice to get up there and have the wind be about 10mph for a change. I've been up there 4 times, and it's been very rough 3 of the 4 times up there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks much appreciated, doesnt seem like a lot of structure around there if your off the mud or the reefs more south (agate etc) so do you just look for depths and a few humps out from fishers /wilderness?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There is a rock to sand transition area out there.

Last Sat., all our fish came in 18-21 ft. 1 on the rocks, the others, Sand. All on leeches.

I've heard a few guys are catching a few on the Gravel on the South End. But still alot of mixed reports .Things should get going in the next couple of weeks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Went out of Red Door yesterday afternoon and went straight out to the east flat. Immediately hooked up with a 21" and not five minutes later had a really nice fish get off at the boat. Fished 2 more hours without a bite, but marked A LOT of fish of the edges in about 26'. Started to see a lot of baitfish clouds down there as well. Moved into the bumps around evening and caught 2 10" fish and nothing more. No wind at all, just beautiful out there, even with the lack of fish.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah, I went out of Cove last week and the bugs were so thick in some areas you didn't dare open your mouth. the entire inside of the boat looked like it was alive with the darn things.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was also out on the pond last night out of garrison, got attacked by the flies right away then didn't run into any the rest of the night thank god. Nice night but not so good fishing caught a few jumbos and 3 10" eyes all on leaches,fishing 17-23 fow.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • The title was changed to 2020 Mille Lacs Lake Fishing Reports

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Similar Content

  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  The focus for many this week is the ongoing deer hunting season which is a big tradition in these parts, even for avid walleye anglers.  There were some that either already harvested their deer or are more into catching fall walleyes than hunting.     Those that are fishing are taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and excellent walleye and sauger bite that is happening across the lake.  Cold weather is in the forecast in the upcoming days and weeks so that is also getting many excited. The best depths on the south end of LOW are 22-28 feet of water.     Vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners is catching most of the walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch.  Depending upon where on the lake you are fishing, some slots and big trophies are in the mix as well, but most reports are talking about good numbers of eaters.    Jumbo perch are coming in good numbers this fall which will serve ice anglers well.  Watch out for an occasional pike or even lake sturgeon mixed in with the walleyes.      There are good numbers of walleyes and saugers across the south shore which is setting up nicely for early ice.   On the Rainy River...  There continues to be good numbers of shiners in the river, and consequently, there are good walleyes in the river as well.     Walleyes along with saugers, pike and some sturgeon are coming in up and down the river.  Most walleyes are being caught in 10-25 feet of water in various stretches of the river.   Jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners is the key. Some anglers are also still slow trolling crankbaits upstream to cover more ground and find fish. Both methods are producing solid results. Sturgeon fishing remains strong.  The catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is open into the spring when it changes to the "keep season" on April 24th. Up at the NW Angle...  As temps are getting colder, most are in the woods hunting and not fall fishing, however, for those who bundle up, fishing continues to be excellent.     A nice mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, perch, pike and crappies being caught. Very good muskie fishing with the colder water temps and shorter days.  Some big fish and some good numbers are being caught amongst the islands.  Both casting and trolling is getting it done.  
    • gimruis
      I hunt in the rifle zone so I don't have a need to use a shotgun to hunt deer, but I would be looking at this if there was ever a need to.   There could be state legislation introduced next summer that eliminates the shotgun zone completely.  It has bipartisan support.  Wisconsin removed theirs years ago and MN is usually later to follow.  They've tried to pass it more than once and it came up just short both times.  Probably just a matter of time.
    • Wanderer
      Oh, h e l l no! 
    • leech~~
      Screw that, here's whatch need!  😆   Power-Shok Rifled Slug 10 Gauge 766 Grain Grain Weight: 766 Shotshell Length: 3-1/2in / 89mm Muzzle Velocity: 1280
    • Wanderer
      20 ga has become a real popular deer round in the last 5 or so years.  The rifled barrels are zinging those sabot slugs with rifle like accuracy out to 100 yards easily.  Some go so far as dialing in for a 200 yard shot but really, by 150 they’re falling off pretty low.   I have a single shot Ultraslug in 20 ga that shoots really well at 100 yards.  Most everyone I know that has bought a slug gun lately has gotten the Savage 220 in 20ga.  Problem can be finding the shells you want.
    • leech~~
      My son always bugs me about getting a nice light over-under 20ga for grouse hunting.  I say Heck no, I'm getting a 3 1/2" 10ga so I can put as much lead in the air that I can!!     So, I'm keeping my 12ga.  
    • 11-87
      That’s almost exactly what I was thinking.  Have slug barrels for both   One for turkey and one for deer.      I have a 20ga mosseberg as well. (Combo came with the scope but never used.   I always liked the 12 better
    • leech~~
      Wanderer is right on the money and covered it well.  I was wondering too if you had a slug barrel for one of your guns?  If so you could make that your slug gun with a scope, and the other your turkey gun with the Red dot.  As you can afford it. 
    • Wanderer
      Kinda depends on if you want magnification or quick target acquisition.   More magnification options and better accuracy with a scope.  You get what you pay for too so get comfortable with a budget for one.  Tasco and Bushnell work but I find they lose their zero easier, have low contrast and don’t gather light well in low light conditions.  That said, I’m still using one I haven’t replaced yet.  Vortex has been the hot brand for the past several years for bang for the buck.  Good products.  Nothing beats Swarovski though.  Huge dough for those.  Burris is another decent option.   There are some specific models for shotgun/slug hunting in the economy brands and bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticles.  Based on experience I’d recommend not falling for that marketing ploy.   Red dots are usually lower magnification and easier to get on target.  Reasonably accurate but don’t do well with definition, like searching the brush for your target.  I put a HAWKE red dot on a .22 for squirrels and it’s been good.  For turkey, that’s probably the route I’d go.     If your slug shots are normally not too far and too brushy, I’d think a red dot could work there too if you’re only buying 1 scope.  You’ll be better off dimming the reticle to the lowest setting you can easily use to not over shine the target and get a finer aim point.   If you don’t have a slug barrel, you might appreciate one of those.  I had a browning with a smoothbore slug barrel that shot Brenneke 2-3/4 inch well.  The 11-87 would well fitted with a cantelever rifled barrel. 
    • 11-87
      Looking for recommendations on scope or red dot    I basically hunt turkey and whitetail, live in southern MN. So it’s all deer/ shotgun    looking to add a scope/ red dot as my eyes don’t work like they used to to with the open sights.    my gun options are 11/87 12. Browning BPS 12    not looking for the most expensive or the cheapest    pros and cons of one over the other
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.